U.S. patent number 6,363,560 [Application Number 09/805,072] was granted by the patent office on 2002-04-02 for connector installation and removal tool.
Invention is credited to Donald A. Kesinger.
United States Patent |
6,363,560 |
Kesinger |
April 2, 2002 |
Connector installation and removal tool
Abstract
A compact multi-function installer's tool which combines a
linear compression tool for type F fittings with at least one of a
security wrench, a trap wrench, and a hex socket wrench. The
wrenches are preferably aligned with the central axis of the
compression tool and the compression tool handle can be extended
substantially perpendicular to the tool so that it operates as a
single sided T handle for the wrenches, increasing the amount of
torque which can be applied. Ideally at least two of the wrenches
are included in the tool. The seat for the compression tool is
preferably combined with one of the wrenches, sharing the end of
the tool and the clearance slot therein. In one embodiment, the
body of the tool is generally cylindrical and the compression tool
handle recesses at least slightly into the body, so that the body
functions similarly to a conventional nut driver handle, for ease
of use.
Inventors: |
Kesinger; Donald A. (Morrison,
CO) |
Family
ID: |
27399018 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/805,072 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
7/107; 7/138 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
43/042 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01R
43/042 (20060101); H01R 43/04 (20060101); B25F
001/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;7/107,138
;29/751,282,238 ;72/409.14 ;81/347,352-355,361 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
LEMCO, 1998 Tool catalog, pp. 4, 5; Lemco Tool, Cogan Station,
PA..
|
Primary Examiner: Meislin; D. S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hanson; Thomas W.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Applications No. 60/237,795 filed Oct. 4, 2000 and No. 60/251,682
filed Dec. 6, 2000.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multi-function tool adapted to perform two or more operations
on a coaxial cable fitting, said tool comprising: a linear
compression tool adapted to install the coaxial cable fitting; a
first wrench selected from the group consisting of trap wrench,
security sleeve wrench, and hex socket wrench; and an activating
handle capable of being positioned substantially perpendicular to
said multifunction tool whereby it is usable as a lever to apply
greater torque to said wrench.
2. A multi-function tool adapted to perform two or more operations
on a coaxial cable fitting, said tool comprising: a linear
compression tool adapted to install the coaxial cable fitting; and
a first wrench selected from the group consisting of trap wrench,
security sleeve wrench, and hex socket wrench, said wrench
removably attached to said compression tool to accommodate
replacement and said wrench further comprising a seat for said
compression tool whereby replacement of this single part effects
the replacement of both said wrench and said seat.
3. A multi-function tool adapted to perform two or more operations
on a coaxial cable fitting, said tool comprising: a linear
compression tool adapted to install the coaxial cable fitting; a
first wrench selected from the group consisting of trap wrench,
security sleeve wrench, and hex socket wrench; and a second unique
wrench selected from the group consisting of trap wrench, security
sleeve wrench, and hex socket wrench.
4. The multi-function tool of claim 3 wherein both of said wrenches
are removably attached to said compression tool to accommodate
replacement.
5. The multi-function tool of claim 3 wherein said first and second
wrenches are attached to said compression tool at opposing
ends.
6. The multi-function tool of claim 5 wherein said compression tool
comprises an activating handle capable of being positioned
substantially perpendicular to said multifunction tool whereby it
is usable as a lever to apply greater torque to said wrenches and
said handle is positioned at substantially equal distance from each
of said wrenches.
7. The multi-function tool of claim 3 further combined with a third
unique wrench selected from the group consisting of trap wrench,
security sleeve wrench, and hex socket wrench.
8. The multi-function tool of claim 7 wherein each of said wrenches
has an axis about which it rotates when operated and the axes of at
least two of said wrenches are aligned.
9. The multi-function tool of claim 8 wherein each of said wrenches
has a face, normal to its axis, and the faces of said wrenches
having aligned axes are coplanar.
10. An installation tool for a coaxial cable fitting
comprising:
(a) a common body;
(b) compression tool comprising:
(i) a handle, pivotally mounted to said body;
(ii) a plunger, activated by said handle, slideably received in
said body;
(iii) a head, connected to said plunger, adapted to engage the
fitting;
(iv) a seat, mounted to said body in alignment with said plunger,
comprising a beveled recess adapted to receive the fitting, said
bevel encompassing more than 180 degrees of said recess;
(c) a first wrench, mounted to said body, selected from the group
consisting of trap wrench, security sleeve wrench, and hex socket
wrench.
11. The installation tool of claim 10 wherein said body is
cylindrical with a longitudinal axis and said plunger is
substantially aligned with said longitudinal axis and said wrench
rotates about said longitudinal axis when operated.
12. The installation tool of claim 11 further combined with a
second wrench selected from the group consisting of trap wrench,
security sleeve wrench, and hex socket wrench, said second wrench
rotating about said longitudinal axis when operated.
13. The installation tool of claim 12 wherein said first and second
wrenches are attached to said compression tool at opposing
ends.
14. The installation tool of claim 13 further combined with a third
wrench selected from the group consisting of trap wrench, security
sleeve wrench, and hex socket wrench and wherein at least two of
said wrenches are attached at the same end of said body and rotate
about the same axis when operated.
15. The installation tool of claim 14 further comprising a
removable end attached to said body, said removable end comprising
at least one of said wrenches and said compression tool seat
whereby replacement of said removable end effects the replacement
of both said wrench and said seat.
16. The installation tool of claim 10 wherein said body defines a
slot in the surface thereof and said handle moves between a first
open position and a second closed position and when in said closed
position is received in said slot so that it is at least partially
recessed into said body.
17. The installation tool of claim 16 wherein said handle, when in
said closed position, is substantially flush with the outer surface
of said body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to devices for installing fittings on
coaxial cable and for attaching fittings and traps. More
specifically the invention relates to devices for installing those
fittings requiring linear compression of the fitting. Even more
specifically, the invention relates to combination tools which
perform the linear compression function as well as serving as a
trap wrench, security sleeve wrench, or other type of wrench needed
by a cable installer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Transmission cable and related equipment for the cable television
and similar communication industries form an increasingly large and
complex infrastructure. Maintenance and expansion of this
infrastructure requires significant expenditure of time and effort,
primarily by service technicians working in the field. These
technicians are often called upon to perform their work in cramped
quarters, away from their vehicle, or at the top of a utility pole.
These working conditions drive the technicians to use the smallest
number of tools possible to reduce the weight and bulk which they
have to carry.
Much of the work of a service technician in the field involves
installing fittings onto coaxial cable, coupling these fittings to
and de-coupling them from various items of equipment and installing
components such as signal traps to establish the correct service
for an end user.
The fittings used have been substantially standardized as a type F
connector, but are continuing to evolve in how they are attached to
the cable. Older fittings which utilized a radial crimp for
connection are giving way to a fitting having two major
sub-assemblies and requiring linear compression to force a sleeve
into the body of the fitting. This is especially true where a
watertight seal is desired. The fittings are then attached to
equipment or components using a threaded coupling with a hex
nut.
Where it is necessary to discourage tampering, the end of the
cable, and the fitting, may be enclosed in a security sleeve. This
sleeve is elongated and closely fitted, leaving only a narrow gap
around the fitting. The end of the sleeve fits between the fitting
and the component to which it is attached, retaining the sleeve in
position until the fitting is removed. The configuration of the
sleeve, in combination with the cable protruding from the sleeve
precludes the use of conventional tools to attach or detach the
fitting. Typically, a security sleeve wrench is used which is a
thin walled socket of the correct size which has been slotted along
one side to allow it to be placed over and around the cable, within
the security sleeve, to engage the nut on the fitting.
One of the commonly used components in a cable television system is
a signal trap. This blocks signals in a particular frequency range,
controlling access to services using those frequencies. Typically,
these traps are configured to use a spanner wrench consisting of a
pair of pins received by matching holes in the end of the trap.
Typically these holes are positioned on opposite sides of a
protruding male fitting designed to couple with an F connector on a
cable.
Even with the level of standardization present within industries
such as cable television, a service technician requires ready
access to a variety of tools adapted to the fittings and components
typically encountered. As a minimum, this set of tools would
typically include a compression tool for installing F connectors; a
security sleeve wrench; a trap wrench; and a heavier duty slotted
socket for removing fittings. The second socket is required because
the thin-walled security sleeve wrench is too weak for regular use,
especially if jammed or corroded fittings are encountered. In the
industry, each of these tools is available as a discrete tool. Trap
wrenches and security sleeve wrenches have been combined into a
single, double ended tool. These combinations often use a knurled
cylindrical body designed for gripping by hand. Unfortunately, this
design does not provide the torque necessary to free a stuck
fitting.
The stand-alone compression tools available are relatively bulky
(often twice the width of a trap or security sleeve wrench) and
suffer performance problems. The design of these tools is not
suitable to being combined with a wrench because their size and
shape does not allow them to be rotated in close quarters. One
common problem is that of the connector being cocked at an angle to
the compression tool when the connector is compressed. This is
sufficiently common that at least one manufacturer includes a
warning in the instructions for the tool to verify the alignment
prior to compression. Misalignment can result in damage to either
or both of the fitting and the tool and can result in a poor
connection, resulting in a failure to achieve a water tight
connection or in a loose connection to the cable which may later
fail.
There is a need for a combination tool which reduces the number of
individual tools which the technician needs to carry and which
reduces the total weight of tools necessary to perform the same
functions. Preferably this tool would combine the linear
compression tool with at least one of the trap wrench and the
security sleeve wrench, more preferably both. Ideally the combined
tool would combine both trap and security sleeve wrenches with a
compression tool, and would do so in a single unit only slightly
larger than a conventional combined trap and security wrench and
weighing less than the tools which it replaces. It would be
desirable if this tool could further incorporate a heavier duty hex
socket wrench than the security sleeve wrench and provide a means
of applying significant torque to this wrench to deal with stubborn
fittings. The compression portion of the tool would ideally provide
improved alignment of the fitting to the tool to reduce or
eliminate fittings which are misaligned during the compression
process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for installing
connectors to coaxial cable and for connecting them to and
disconnecting them from other components for equipment.
According to the invention there is provided a linear compression
tool combined with one of: a trap wrench, a security sleeve wrench
or a hex socket wrench. The handle of the compression tool also
functions as a cross handle for the wrench. More than one of the
wrenches may be provided.
According to an aspect of the invention the wrench(es) may be
removable allowing them to be replaced or interchanged with a
different size or combination of wrenches.
According to another aspect of the invention the wrench(es) may be
all aligned along the central axis of the compression tool.
Further in accordance with the invention the compression tool seat
may be beveled to assist in aligning the fitting for compressions,
with the bevel extending in excess of 180 degrees around the seat
for improved alignment. The seat may be replaceable separately or
in combination with one or more of the wrenches.
The advantages of such an apparatus are that a single tool may be
carried by a technician which replaces two or more common tools.
This reduces both the weight and the size of the tools which must
be carried. With the correct combination of wrenches and
compression tool, a single tool may serve for all tasks to be
performed in a typical installation or repair. In addition, the
compression tool uses a beveled seat with improved alignment for
fewer problems with fitting compression.
The above and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more clear from the detailed description of a
specific illustrative embodiment thereof, presented below in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
tool with the handle in the open position.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the reverse side of the
tool.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment showing the
various parts.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the tool, handle open.
FIG. 5 is a cross section through the tool, handle open.
FIG. 6 is a cross section through the tool, along the same line as
FIG. 5 with the handle closed.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
incorporating an extended end cap.
FIG. 8 is a partial exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 7
illustrating the attachment and fit of the extended end cap.
FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the end cap
incorporating a trap wrench.
FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the end cap
incorporating a hex socket wrench.
FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the end cap
incorporating both trap wrench and hex socket wrench.
FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the inside of the preferred
embodiment of the end cap, showing the beveled recess for the
seat.
FIG. 13 is a detailed view of an alternative end cap showing the
beveled recess.
FIG. 14 is a cross section through an alternative embodiment of the
tool, along the same line as FIG. 5, illustrating the roller and
modified cam profile.
FIG. 15 is a cross section through another alternative embodiment
of the tool, along the same line as FIG. 5, illustrating the link
and handle.
FIG. 16 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the tool in
which a security sleeve wrench is attached to the handle rather
than the body of the tool.
FIG. 17 is an illustration of a typical fitting of the type used
with the tool.
FIG. 18 shows the fitting in place in the tool ready for
compression.
FIG. 19 is a detailed view of the fitting within the tool as in
FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 shows the fitting in place in the tool after
compression.
FIG. 21 is a detailed view of the fitting within the tool as in
FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative using a recessed
handle, with the handle open.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative using a recessed
handle, with the handle closed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following discussion focuses on the preferred embodiment of the
invention, in which the tool is specifically adapted for use with
type F connectors as they are used in the cable television
industry. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the
art, the disclosed apparatus is applicable to a wide variety of
situations in which a combination tool for use with similar cable
or wire fittings is desired.
Glossary
The following is a brief glossary of terms used herein. The
supplied definitions are applicable throughout this specification
and the claims unless the term is clearly used in another
manner.
F-connector--a widely used coaxial connector style used with
coaxial cable such as RG-6, RG-11, and RG-59. The inventive tool is
usable with other types of connectors with only minor dimensional
changes and the invention is not restricted to or dependent upon
this particular connector. Herein, the term F-connector or
connector should be understood to encompass any of the similar
connectors.
Security sleeve--an elongated close fitting sleeve which
substantially encloses and is retained by a connector. The fitting
is accessible only from the end of the sleeve from which the cable
protrudes. This arrangement precludes the use of conventional tools
to remove the fitting and thus discourages tampering. The fitting
is usually installed and removed by using a security sleeve
wrench.
Security sleeve wrench--a specially configured wrench which is
adapted to access a fitting positioned within a security sleeve.
This wrench is thin walled, to fit between the fitting and the
sleeve, and incorporates a lengthwise clearance slot so that it can
be placed over the cable within the sleeve.
Spanner--generally a wrench consisting of a pair of parallel pins
adapted to be inserted into a matching pair of holes in the part to
the rotated. Herein, this is generally used as a trap wrench and
may be referred to as such.
Preferred Embodiment
The disclosed invention is described below with reference to the
accompanying figures in which like reference numbers designate like
parts. Generally, numbers in the 200's refer to prior art elements
or elements in the surrounding environment while numbers in the
100's refer to elements of the invention.
Overview
Referring to FIGS. 1 & 2 the general structure of the inventive
tool, 100, can be seen. The preferred embodiments combine a linear
compression tool of the type usable with snap fit connectors with
at least one other tool needed by cable installers. This may be a
security sleeve wrench, 102; a trap wrench; a hex wrench; or a
combination of more than one of these. Each of these tools is
adapted to be placed over a fitting while it is in place on a
cable, a capability not present in conventional tools, although
known in the cable industry. The compression function of the tool
utilizes an activating handle, 104, which activates the plunger,
108, to provide the linear motion required to compress the
fittings. The handle, when positioned to extend outward from the
body of the tool, also serves as a lever, enabling the user to
apply increased torque to the wrench(es).
In the preferred embodiment, a multi-piece assembly is used to
implement the inventive tool. In FIGS. 1 & 2, the end cap, 106,
body, 110, and security sleeve wrench, 102, are separate pieces
which are then joined together using pins, rivets, or any other
suitable method. This allows an optimal selection of materials for
each piece and may simplify some machining operations. For example,
the body can be made of aluminum (either machined or cast) for
light weight; the security sleeve wrench made of steel for
sufficient strength in a thin wall configuration; and the end cap
cast out of iron or other metal for rigidity and low cost. Clearly
the same tool could be made with these three components formed in a
single piece. For these aspects of the invention, unitary and
multiple part construction are considered to be equivalent and both
methods of construction are anticipated. Similarly, the various
methods of interconnecting the components such as pins, set screws,
threaded coupling, welding, adhesive bonding and other well known
techniques, as appropriate to the materials used, are considered
equivalent and interchangeable.
Structure
Referring to FIGS. 3-6 the various components and their
interrelationships can be clearly seen. The body, 110, provides the
primary structure to which the other components attach and defines
openings, cavities, and passages which enable the operation of the
various features of the tool. The body is preferably cylindrical to
provide a compact yet strong tool. This shape is optimal for access
to fittings which may be installed in close proximity to each other
or to other equipment. Conventional compression tools are
noticeably larger and often have a rectangular profile which would
interfere with rotation of the tool in close quarters to operate an
attached wrench. Opening, 122, allows for the fitting to be
inserted and aligned with the compression plunger. It aligns with
the corresponding opening, 128, in the end cap and allows the tool
to be positioned over a fitting which is in place on a cable.
Opening, 122, is sized to be at least somewhat larger that the
maximum outside diameter of the largest fitting with which the tool
is designed to be used. In a similar fashion, opening, 124, aligns
with opening, 126, in the side of the security sleeve wrench, 102,
and provides clearance for a cable on which a fitting is
positioned. It is typically narrower than opening, 122, because it
only has to clear the cable itself, not the fitting, and is
relatively long to allow access to a fitting which is recessed
within a security sleeve. Opening, 130, receives the handle for the
compression component of the tool. If desired, openings 130 and 122
can be aligned and merged, forming a slot extending from the handle
to the end of the cap, see FIGS. 22 & 23. With modifications to
the handle, 164, it would fit into the slot in the closed position
substantially flush with the surface, or at least recessed, for a
more compact tool. Simultaneously, the recessed handle fills in the
slot, providing a smooth handle. In this configuration the body of
the tool would look, and could be used much like the handle of a
conventional screwdriver or nut driver, with no interfering
protrusions. This also slightly decreases the likelihood of
interference with nearby equipment or other close fitting
connections as might be encountered in a multi-line tap.
The end cap serves primarily as a seat for the compression
component of the tool. In the preferred embodiments the cap may be
an external piece, 106, fitted to the end of the tool, see FIGS.
1-6, or it may form the entire end of the tool, 134, FIGS. 7-11,
and incorporate the if channel, 122, for the cable. In either form,
the cap may be retained by pins, 116, rivets, set screws, threads,
or any other suitable means. As discussed above, the cap may also
be integral with the body of the tool. Slot, 128, allows the cable,
with fitting in place, to be inserted from the side of the tool.
Seat, 136, supports and restrains the end of the fitting during
compression. Note that the seat is positioned at the bottom of a
shallow, beveled well, 138, (best shown in FIGS. 12 & 13) which
preferably extends more than 180 degrees around the seat. This
extended well aids in aligning the fitting with the seat and thus
with the compression plunger to assure proper compression of the
fitting. In the preferred embodiment, the slot is somewhat keyhole
shaped with a slightly larger hole centered on the seat and a
slightly larger gap providing access for the cable.
While the primary purpose of the end cap, 106, is as a seat for the
compression component of the tool, it is readily configured to
serve additional roles. These are most clearly illustrated in FIGS.
9-11 which show alternative embodiments of the extended version of
the end cap, but are clearly applicable to all forms. FIG. 9
illustrates the basic cap with the seat and slot, 128, for fitting
compression combined with the pins, 140, which form a spanner, or
trap wrench, on the end of the cap. The slot also provides
clearance so that the trap wrench may be positioned over a
protruding male fitting on the trap. FIG. 10 illustrates the basic
cap combined with a hex socket, 142, formed in the end of the cap.
This socket would typically be sized to fit the hex collar of the
fitting which the tool is also configured to compress. This is
typically the same size as that of the security sleeve wrench at
the opposite end of the tool, but substantially stronger. While the
security sleeve wrench must necessarily be thin walled, limiting
its strength, the socket formed in the end cap has no such
limitation and can be made with very heavy walls for significant
strength, while slot, 128, still allows placing the wrench over a
fitting attached to a cable. The heavy walls of this socket,
combined with the leverage provided by handle, 104, in its
perpendicular position, allow the user to provide significantly
higher torque to a fitting. This may be necessary where a fitting
has become corroded or damaged. As FIG. 11 illustrates, both the
hex socket, 142, and trap wrench, 140, can be combined with the
compression seat in a single end cap, significantly increasing the
flexibility of the tool. If desired, the end caps may be designed
to be user replaceable. This would simplify the task of adapting
the tool to use with a different size of compression fittings or to
replace when worn. Where the end cap also incorporates a hex
socket, one change will provide both a new seat and socket
appropriate to the fitting.
Referring again to FIGS. 3-6, the security sleeve wrench, 102, is
generally a thin walled hex socket with a slot, 126, cut in one
side. The thin walls allow the socket to fit between a fitting and
the walls of a security sleeve. The slot aligns with slot, 124, in
the body of the tool and allows tool to be placed over the cable
attached to the fitting. The tool can then be operated like a
conventional security sleeve wrench to loosen or tighten the
fitting. By extending the handle, 104, away from the tool,
preferably substantially perpendicular, the user can increase the
torque which can be applied to the fitting significantly beyond
that which can be applied by a conventional security sleeve wrench.
As with the external cap, the hex socket formed in the security
sleeve wrench is sized to match the fitting with which the tool is
designed to be used. If desired the security sleeve wrench can be
user replaceable to make the tool adaptable to various sized
fittings or for replacement when worn.
The compression component of the tool comprises the plunger, 108,
return spring, 112, head, 118, and handle, 104, in addition to the
seat formed in the external cap as discussed above. These parts are
seen most clearly in FIGS. 5 & 6. The plunger is closely
received in sleeve, 132, which is formed in the body of the tool.
The plunger is free to move linearly within this sleeve in response
to the actions of the handle and the return spring. Preferably the
plunger and head are either hollow or have a recess in the end
nearest the external cap to accommodate the center conductor of the
coax cable which protrudes through the connector.
The handle pivots on pin, 120, and has an integrally formed
eccentric cam, 144, which acts on the end of the plunger. In the
extended position, FIG. 5, the plunger bears on the smallest
portion of the cam and the head is at its fully retracted position.
As the handle rotates to the closed position, FIG. 6, the cam
forces the plunger toward the end of the tool, moving the head to
its fully extended position. This motion compresses a fitting
placed within the cavity formed by slot, 122, and the end cap, as
discussed more fully below. The return spring applies a biasing
force on the plunger to maintain it in contact with the cam and to
retract it from the cavity when the handle moves to the open
position. Optional detent, 146, in the handle serves to hold the
handle in the fully closed position for storage.
The head is threadedly attached to the plunger to allow for
adjustment of its position relative to the seat in the end cap.
This adjustment allows for variations in the length of the fittings
being compressed; regulates the maximum pressure which can be
applied to the fitting by adjusting the closest approach of the
head to the seat; provides for adjustment of the handle to suit
individual user preference for amount of free play and the angle of
the handle at full compression of the fitting, and to adjust for
wear. This adjustment is significant because it allows the stroke
of the tool to be closely matched to the minimum range needed to
compress the fitting. Without this adjustment, the tool would
require a larger stroke to accommodate the full range of variation
in fitting sizes. If desired, the head may incorporate a
screwdriver slot in the outer end, accessible through the end of
the tool, for adjustment of the head position. A slot, or flat, may
also be formed in the plunger to receive a flat screwdriver blade
to prevent rotation of the plunger when the head is turned. If
desired, either the head or the plunger may incorporate a nylon
insert, or similar mechanism, to prevent unintended movement of the
head relative to the plunger, thus maintaining a set position.
Preferably, the head comprises a slightly tapered, truncated cone
designed to be closely received within the end of the fitting, thus
centering the fitting on the head. The lip of the fitting then
rests on the shoulder portion of the head.
As discussed below, alternative embodiments of the compression
component may utilize a roller on the plunger; a more pronounced
cam profile; or a link in place of the camming action of the
handle. As discussed above, the handle in its extended position
also serves as a gripping handle to aid in rotation of the tool
when using the wrenches configured at either end. This is a
significant advantage over conventional trap or security sleeve
wrenches which are generally relatively narrow cylinders with
diameter only slightly larger than the wrenches themselves. While
suitable for new, optimal fittings, conventional wrenches are
inadequate for loosening corroded, damaged, or stiff
connections.
Operation
The compression component of the inventive tool is designed to
compress F connectors of the type shown in FIG. 17. As delivered to
an installer, the connector comprises the sleeve, 200, and body,
202, sub-assemblies. These are slipped into place on a coax cable,
204. The compression function of the tool is then used to force the
sleeve into the body of the connector, locking the fitting in place
on the cable.
FIGS. 18 & 19 shows the fitting in position within the cavity,
122, of the tool with the handle, 104, in the open position and the
compression plunger retracted. The sleeve, 200, and body, 202, have
been loosely mated by sliding the sleeve into the body of the
fitting with light finger pressure. This reduces the length of the
uncompressed fitting allowing the use of a shorter stroke on the
compression tool.
FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the tool and fitting after the
compression stroke. The head, 8, has moved into contact with the
body, 202, of the fitting and then continued to force the body over
the sleeve, 200, locking the sleeve and cable in place. The
operation and method of compressing the fitting are well known in
the industry and are summarized here to clarify the operation of
the compression component of the inventive tool.
Alternative Embodiments
A variety of alternative embodiments are readily derived without
departing from the principles of the invention. Among those are the
embodiments illustrated,if FIGS. 14-16.
The embodiment of FIG. 14 utilizes a roller, 150, mounted to the
end of the plunger which then bears on the cam portion of handle,
148. The roller reduces friction between the handle and the plunger
while the profile of the handle has been altered to take advantage
of the roller and to provide different performance. The initial
profile is quite steep, resulting in rapid movement of the plunger
toward the fitting to initially bring the head into contact with
the fitting. The profile then becomes more gradual to provide
increased mechanical advantage for increased pressure on the
fitting with reduced pressure required on the handle. Notch, 164,
engages the roller when the handle is in the closed position to
hold the handle in place. In all other ways this embodiment is the
same as the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment which utilizes a connecting link,
154, and a modified plunger, 156, to connect to the handle, 152.
This provides substantially the same performance as the preferred
embodiment, although with a greater parts count and without
flexibility afforded by the ability to adjust the cam profile in
the above and preferred embodiments.
In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the security sleeve wrench, 158, has
been attached to the handle, 160, and the body, 162, of the tool
truncated. This approach can be combined with any of the above
embodiments, and results in a shorter, wider tool which may be
preferable to some users. If desired, the handle, and attached
wrench, may be fully extended into alignment with the body of the
tool.
While the preferred form of the invention has been disclosed above,
alternative methods of practicing the invention are readily
apparent to the skilled practitioner. The above description of the
preferred embodiment is intended to be illustrative only and not to
limit the scope of the invention.
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